Matheuzinho hails Flamengo grit amid Brazil pressure | OneFootball

Matheuzinho wore the Flamengo shirt from 2019 to 2024

Coach Carlo Ancelotti called up full-back Matheuzinho, formerly of Flamengo, to represent the Brazilian National Team during this FIFA international window. Starting in the friendly against Australia last Friday (25), the Corinthians player highlighted the pressure of playing for the ‘Seleção’ and recalled his time at Fla.

— It’s a very specific kind of job. I’ve already been at Flamengo, and now I’m at Corinthians, which have the two biggest fan bases in Brazil. But the pressure of coming here and representing Brazil is different. I think it’s much greater pressure, a much greater responsibility — he said, before concluding:

— Of course, because you have the experience of playing in front of the two biggest fan bases in Brazil, you get a thicker skin when you come here and know how to handle things a little better when you’re playing, but the nerves still hit. You have to prepare mentally, you have to get ready. But I think the most important thing is knowing that you’re here for a reason, right? Because you’re capable — he concluded in an interview with ‘ESPN’.

How was Matheuzinho’s spell at Flamengo?

Matheuzinho arrived at Flamengo in 2019, when he was signed from Londrina, from the state of Paraná. At the time, the Rubro-Negro paid around R$ 1.2 million for 80% of the Brazilian full-back’s economic rights.

For Flamengo, Matheuzinho was part of important campaigns and title-winning squads. The full-back won three Carioca titles, one Libertadores, one Copa do Brasil, one Brazilian Championship, and one Brazilian Super Cup. In addition, he totaled 153 matches, four goals, and 22 assists wearing the Sacred Shirt.

How was Matheuzinho’s debut for the Brazilian National Team?

Carlo Ancelotti named Matheuzinho in the starting lineup for Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Australia on Friday (25). The full-back played all 90 minutes, recorded 11 defensive contributions, and completed 53 passes from 62 attempts. However, amid a poor performance by the Brazilian National Team, the former Flamengo player was unable to stand out.

What is Brazil’s next match?

With Matheuzinho available, the Brazilian National Team will face Australia again this Tuesday (29), in the second friendly of this FIFA international window. Kickoff is at 7 a.m. (Brasília time) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with live coverage on Globo (free-to-air TV), SporTV (pay TV), and GE TV (YouTube).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.